what is the va disability rating for degenerative disc disease

His frustration with the8-step VA disability claims processled him to createVA Claims Insider,which provides U.S. military veterans with tips, strategies, and lessons learned for successfully submitting or re-submitting a winning VA disability compensation claim. Veterans who served in specified locations and time periods do not have to prove a connection between their sinusitis and service to be eligible for VA health care and disability compensation. Just fill out the form and we will forward what benefits the VA is paying for the allergic rhinitis condition and how best to prove your need for disability compensation, along with other information and news about burn pit exposure. The information these cookies collect will not personally identify you, and they cannot track your browsing activity on other websites. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case. Degenerative disc disease is the result of disc degeneration in the spine. There are a few ways that veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veterans mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. However, there are other conditions you need to meet before you can submit an application for disability benefits. Medical professionals call this 'radicular pain.' These codes guide the VA on how to rate your disability at a certain percentage level based on specific symptoms. For VA disability purposes, the four regions listed below will be considered when it comes to your final VA rating for Radiculopathy. If youre trying to increase your VA disability rating for Degenerative Disc Disease, you need to prove to the VA that your symptoms are now worse and warrant a higher rating by law. Some veterans may also develop degenerative disc disease as the result of an already service-connected condition. The guidelines also state that if a patient requires bed rest, the physician should encourage them to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. For a free case evaluation, call CCK today at 800-544-9144. If youre stuck, frustrated, underrated, and currently rated between 0%-90%, VA Claims Insider Elite is for you! Despite how much pain the condition causes, the maximum VA disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as mentioned above, is typically 20 percent. There are different levels of pain associated with degenerative disc disease. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. If you are suffering from degenerative disc disease and you are unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. This pressure can cause you to suffer from a condition known as degenerative disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause severe pain. These cookies are essential so that you can move around the website and use its features. The VA uses Diagnostic Codes (DCs) to rate disabilities. If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free. It states that your degenerative disc disorder needs to have caused a compromised nerve root of the spinal cord or you need to provide proof that the root compression causes spinal pain, restricted spinal movement, a reduction in motor function and muscle weakness including loss of reflexes and touch. Many veterans suffer from various back conditions due to their military service to include Degenerative Disc Disease. Call Us. If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by military service, you may be eligible for disability benefits. In the long run, the disc can become compressed, resulting in an extremely painful condition. Secondly, your condition needs to be able to meet any of the blue book listings for musculoskeletal diseases. These cookies dont collect information that identifies you. These tasks can place extreme amounts of pressure on your body. When a herniation of the disc occurs as a result of degeneration, it is the most common surgical treatment for this condition. In grade 1, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; in grade 2, there is no horizontal band; and in grade 3, there is blurring between the nucleus and nave; in grade 4, the nucleus and nave are clearly distinguished; and. There is no maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease, as the condition is not considered to be a service-connected disability. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. If you are facing difficulties getting a fair disability rating from the VA, our firm can assist you. A common secondary condition to spinal conditions is also nerve damage or issues. It is the intention to recognize painful, unstable, or malaligned joints, due to healed injury, as entitled to at least the minimum compensable rating for the joint. Generally, you need to be denied at least once before an attorney can assist, but once a lawyer is involved they will often be able to quickly determine what needs to be done in order to prove entitlement. Functional loss may be due to deformity, improper nerve function (defective innervation), adhesions, atrophy or pain. This 20 percent rating or the 10 percent rating, when applicable, will be assigned once only to cover disability at all sites of previously active infection with a future ending date in the case of the 20 percent rating. The ratings for the peripheral nerves are for unilateralinvolvement when bilateral, combine with application of the bilateral factor. An individuals eligibility for DDD benefits can be determined by a number of factors. The doctor must perform a goniometer test on you to determine your ability to move. Sharp and radiating pain in the back, arms, legs or shoulders that may worsen with certain activities, even something as simple as coughing or sneezing, Weakness, fatigue, or loss of reflexes in the arms or legs, Numbness or tingling of the skin, pins and needles, or other abnormal sensations in the arms or legs. If you have degenerative disc disease as a service-connected condition, you must be able to prove that you have received VA disability benefits. Degenerative disc disease (DD) can only be diagnosed if you have a doctors examination of your body. Veterans with DDD are often denied benefits or given low disability ratings because an examiner dismisses the disease as the result of the normal wear and tear of aging. Degenerative disc disease refers to symptoms of back or neck pain caused by wear-and-tear on a spinal disc. The discs between your vertebrae will lose their cushioning and begin to fragment, often causing them to herniate. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) considers the diagnosis of Cervical Facet Syndrome to be synonymous with the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis of the Cervical Spine. Physical therapy may help with muscle range of motion, while prescription medications may be used to alleviate pain. SSA will consider disability claims for degenerative disc disease that are supported by medical evidence such as: Physical examination for type and location of pain, range of motion, nerve function, sensation, and muscle strength, with a full review of the entirety of symptoms Diagnostic imaging tests (such as MRI, CT scans, and x-rays) If accepted into our ELITE membership program, youll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time. However, there are a few ways veterans can increase their DDD VA rating. The use of a goniometer in the measurement of limitation of motion is indispensable in examinations conducted within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The final determination on whether an extraschedular rating is warranted must be made by the VA Undersecretary for Benefits or the Director of Compensation Service. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! Thank. While the ROM test is the primary factor in determining VA ratings for back and spine conditions, there are also other portions included in the C& P exams. However, its also possible that you dont experience any symptoms, or you go through periodic flare-ups of symptoms. For some, asthma may be a minor nuisance. Common Signs and Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans, VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: Basic Eligibility Criteria. These can last from a few days to a few months before getting better. Yes, Degenerative Disc Disease is a VA disability and can be rated at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, or 100% depending upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of your symptoms. Periods of severe pain that come and go. Lower back pain (lumbosacral pain) is a common condition that can be distinguished from a variety of other conditions. You may have questions like, what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? The functional loss may be due to absence of part, or all, of the necessary bones, joints and muscles, or associated structures, or to deformity, adhesions, defective innervation, or other pathology, or it may be due to pain, supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by the visible behavior of the claimant undertaking the motion. The VA uses two different Diagnostic Codes to rate herniated discs: But for others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of disc deterioration in the spine. Our legal team can provide you with quality and experienced representation that is going to help you receive the benefits you deserve. What Is the Maximum Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease? If your doctor orders bedrest, the frequency of your incapacitating episodes can also be the basis for a rating. Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from theUnited States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO and he holds an MBA from Oklahoma State Universitys Spears School of Business, Stillwater, OK, where he was a National Honor Scholar (Top 1% of Graduate School class). It is important to attend your C&P exam once it is scheduled or contact VA to reschedule if necessary. If you have severed your DDD while in the military, you must demonstrate that it is a condition that has a direct relationship with your service. The VA Disability Rating for Degenerative Disc Disease: A Guide by Berry Law is an important source. Because DDD often does not appear noticeably during a soldiers time in the military, it can be difficult to recognize the condition in its early stages. Many veterans experience chronic or worsening pain after they leave active duty. The #1 best way to increase your VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease is to get X-Rays so you have objective medical evidence to show the degradation of your discs over time. VA disability claims evidence can be direct or circumstantial, and include: A positive VA disability rating for a a bulging disc or a herniated disc is based on the extent of your symptoms, how impaired your range of motion is, prevalence of incapacitating episodes, and how all of this impacts your daily life. Do You Qualify for Long Term Disability Benefits? The VA ratings for back pain reflect the seriousness of a veteran's mobility loss and how much their spine is affected. If you have recently filed a DDD claim or are considering one, the team at Hill can assist you. This data may be used to help optimize our websites and make them easier for you to navigate. It is very common to receive only a 10 or 20 percent rating for neck or back conditions. Pain in the low back (lumbar), mid back (thoracic), or neck (cervical), depending on where the affected disc is, possibly even radiating to the legs, arms, and hands (Radiculopathy). Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider. Back conditions typically correspond to the thoracolumbar spine, which is composed of several different types of vertebrae. These cookies allow the website to remember choices you make to give you better functionality and personal features. Back injuries are frequently reported after military service. In this case, if the Veteran develops DJD in any other joint in the future, that joint is automatically subject to service connection. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. Other spinal conditions cause people to change how they walk, which can lead to leg and knee issues. If this is the case, contact us. Approximately 30% of American adults experience back pain at some point. When a spinal disc wears down over time, it causes back pain. Crepitation either in the soft tissues such as the tendons or ligaments, or crepitation within the joint structures should be noted carefully as points of contact which are diseased. Estimate your 2023 VA Rating & Compensation for FREE! This website adheres to the W3Cs AA Accessibility guidelines. The patient will be able to live a pain-free life without any limitations if a qualified healthcare provider manages their pain. This is when the spaces in the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Due to the extra bodily wear and tear brought on by What is Degenerative Disc Disease in Veterans? The most trusted name in education-based resources for Veterans. It mostly occurs in your lower back or neck. A medical connection linking your diagnosed allergic rhinitis. When the discs degenerate or break down, they can no longer perform their function properly. Youll also see the termUnfavorable Ankylosis,which is a condition in which the entire cervical spine, the entire thoracolumbar spine, or the entire spine is fixed in flexion or extension, and the ankylosis results in one or more of the following: VA disability ratings for Degenerative Disc Disease also depend upon Functional Loss, which means impairment of spine function as determined by range of motion as reported in the physical examination and additional loss of range of motion after repetitive use caused by the following factors: VA disability of the musculoskeletal system is primarily the inability, due to damage or infection in parts of the system, to perform the normal working movements of the body with normal excursion, strength, speed, coordination and endurance. Degenerative Disc: Degenerative disc disease typically does not cause a permanent disability. Our attorneys can help you answer this question and more. If so, then you deserve to recover VA disability benefits. When you visit web sites, they may store or retrieve data in your web browser. The process to receive approval for these benefits is often tedious and frustrating. To file for secondary service connection, you will need: Importantly, you do not have to file for secondary conditions at the same time as filing for primary conditions. Extraschedular ratings are assigned when the rating criteria does not accurately reflect a veterans level of disability. The speed and extent of deterioration are dependent on external factors. Also Check: Can You Get Disability For Diabetes. #1. You May Like: What Is Long Term Disability Insurance. The formula that VA uses to rate back disabilities with a diagnosis code between 5235 and 5242is the same. It is important to learn more about this condition and the process of recovering VA disability benefits. Can I Get Disability With Degenerative Disc Disease However, you may wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? The VA uses diagnostic code 5003 to determine your degenerative disc disease disability rating. If you do not attend, your claim will likely be denied. It can also cause tingling and numbness in the upper and lower extremities. The rating criteria for this diagnostic code is virtually the same as diagnostic code 5003, which is used to rate degenerative arthritis. Degenerative disc disease is a common disability among Veterans. Don't Miss: Is Aflac Short Term Disability Worth It As the spine wears and tears, the disc degenerates. This website is designed for general information only. Without these cookies, services you have asked for cannot be provided. The VA often describes this connection as a nexus. Service Connection The Disability Application Process VA 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System, contact the VA Accredited Attorneys at VetLaw, Your arthritis rating may turn into a spinal fusion claim, Chances Of Winning Disability In Federal Court. This means that 30% of veterans who are diagnosed with degenerative disc disease receive a disability rating from the VA. Your final VA rating for Degenerative Disc Disease depends upon the Frequency, Severity, and Duration of symptoms, including Painful Motion, Limitation of Range of Motion (ROM), and Functional Loss or Impairment. Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. Your VA disability rating for back injury or spine injury will depend on which code the condition falls under. Hes battled medical issues for years, and the Air Force veteran was pretty sure he was underrated by the How to Service-Connect Your Orthopedic Disabilities If youre a veteran dealing with pain from an orthopedic condition, youre not alone. If degenerative arthritis is established by X-ray and is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of painful motion, it will be rated no less than 10-percent. Which it turns out are more than just one item. It is not enough for the examiners to simply say that a veterans DDD is due to natural progression and aging. Be sure to click the link to sign up for updates on matters regarding VA disability benefits for burn pit exposure. Two of the most common causes of back pain are degeneration of the discs and herniations. It can also result in numbness and tingling in the upper or lower extremities. Accurate Measurement of Limitation of Range of Motion. To receive an extraschedular disability rating under 38 CFR 3.321(b)(1) for degenerative disc disease, the following requirements must be met: It is important to note that extraschedular disability ratings are granted on a case-by-case basis and are very specific to each situation. In these cases, the VA now presumes a link between service and sinusitis, meaning that the veteran does not need to prove a connection. How to Get a 100 Percent VA Rating (if deserved)! Heres the brutal truth about VA disability claims: You Deserve It: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Veteran Benefits Youve Earned, 9 Secrets Strategies for Winning Your VA Disability Claim, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine; or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, Forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less; or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 170 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis, Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the cervical spine greater than 170 degrees but not greater than 335 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height. Immediately below the sacrum are five additional bones,fused together to form the Coccyx . How can a veteran get a 100% VA rating for back pain? Some waste materials commonly disposed of in these burn pits include: Many veterans who were exposed to burn pits during their service and developed chronic sinusitis may be able to seek service connection benefits under this new presumption. Disability ratings range from 0% to 100%, with higher ratings indicating more severe symptoms. Degenerative Disc Disease is a painful spinal disorder caused by the steady degeneration of the intervertebral discs, which are the pads that cushion the bones in the vertebrae of your spine. Disability due to diseases (such as arthritis, degenerative joint or disc disease, or . Do you wonder what is the maximum disability rating for degenerative disc disease? We have updated our Privacy Policy. The VA rating for cervical radiculopathy is determined based on symptoms in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. These cookies collect information about how you use our website. Importantly, limitation of motion must be objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion. Check out our Google reviews. A few of the risk factors for Degenerative Disc Disease include your age, prior back injuries, car accidents, being overweight or obese, a sedentary lifestyle, or other forms of bodily trauma. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be required to relieve pressure on the disc. The painful motion principle means that regardless of range of motion, if pain is present, the claimant should at least be awarded the minimum level of disability for that condition. In order to apply for a secondary service connection, you must demonstrate that one disability resulted directly from the other. Diagnostic codes 5235 through 5243 of 38 CFR 4.71a, Schedule of Ratings, Musculoskeletal System are dedicated to back and neck pain. Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs naturally and affects the discs in your spine. Citation Nr: 18160441 Decision Date: 12/26/18 Archive Date: 12/26/18 DOCKET NO. 2022 DisabilityProAdvice.com | Contact us: contact@disabilityproadvice.com, Degenerative Disc Disease & VA Disability Benefits | VA Appeals Attorneys. Degenerative disc disease is also referred to as osteoarthritis of the spine. Brian isalso the CEOofMilitary Disability Made Easy, which is the worlds largest free searchable database for all things related to DoD disability and VA disability claims and has served more than 4,600,000 military members and veterans since its founding in 2013. However, the path to getting these benefits is often filled with obstacles. Pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the extremities. The ratings also factor in whether a veteran feels pain, stiffness, or aching in their spine. They all go together, so make sure you work with an experienced lawyer to get ratings for all of them. Brandon Callahan, MD is a board-certified orthopedic physician with a decade of experience in providing comprehensive orthopedic care to patients with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, The Truth About Spinal Stenosis: Causes Symptoms And Treatments, Can Years Of Surfing Contribute To Spinal Stenosis, The Effects Of Spinal Stenosis And Carpal Tunnel, Should I Apply Ice Or Heat To A Compression Fracture, How Does A Soft Bed Prevent Healing Of Herniated Disc, Herniated Discs: How To Sleep Without Worrying About Rupturing Your Discs, If You Have A Herniated Disc You Know The Excruciating Pain It Can Cause.

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